By Roysdale Forde S.C.- Democracy is the bedrock of a just society, demanding elections that are free, fair, transparent, and untainted by coercion. These principles are non-negotiable; they are the foundation of credible governance. The Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) refusal to prohibit cell phones in polling stations is a reckless decision that jeopardises these core tenets, casting a grave shadow over the integrity of Guyana’s upcoming elections.
GECOM’s stance not only threatens the secrecy of the ballot but also risks enabling vote buying, eroding public trust, and destabilising the democratic process. Immediate action is required to reverse this dangerous precedent and safeguard Guyana’s democracy.
The secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of democracy. It ensures that every voter can exercise their franchise without fear of exposure, reprisal, or intimidation. The moment a voter enters the polling booth, their choice must remain inviolable, shielded from external pressures. GECOM’s decision to permit cell phones in polling stations directly undermines this sacred principle.
In the digital age, a cell phone is not merely a communication device; it is a camera, a recorder, and a potential instrument of coercion. Allowing voters to carry phones into polling booths creates a clear risk: ballots can be photographed, recorded, or shared, compromising the voter’s privacy. Such a breach opens the door to intimidation, where individuals may feel compelled to prove their vote to external political and other actors, whether through persuasion or threats. This is not a theoretical concern but a tangible threat to the democratic process.
As the renowned jurist Lord Acton cautioned, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” By failing to ban cell phones, GECOM grants unchecked power to those who might exploit this loophole, undermining the very essence of democratic choice. The Commission’s inaction is not a neutral stance, in reality, it is a dangerous enabler of electoral manipulation.
The risk of vote buying is not speculative; it is a documented reality in electoral systems worldwide, including Guyana. Cell phones in polling booths provide a straightforward mechanism for political operatives to verify purchased votes. A voter, promised money or favours, can be coerced into photographing their ballot as proof of compliance. Without a cell phone ban, GECOM effectively facilitates this illicit transaction, turning the polling booth into a marketplace for votes.
Let us consider this scenario: a voter is offered a bribe to support a specific candidate or party, with the condition that they provide photographic evidence of their vote. In the absence of a prohibition, nothing prevents this exchange. The result is a perversion of democracy, where votes are not cast freely but traded for personal gain. This loophole disproportionately benefits those with resources to manipulate the system, leaving ordinary Guyanese, who seek only to vote their conscience, vulnerable to exploitation.
Therefore, GECOM’s decision raises a critical question: who stands to gain from this policy? Plainly, not the citizens striving for a fair electoral process. The beneficiaries are those with the means and intent to subvert democracy for their own ends. This is not governance; it is manipulation clumsily masquerading as choice.
The cell phone decision cannot be viewed in isolation. It emerges amid troubling questions about GECOM’s impartiality and independence. Reports suggest that key electoral staff, including Returning Officers, may have been appointed or influenced by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Such allegations fuel public skepticism about whether GECOM operates as an impartial arbiter or as an instrument of partisan interests.
These concerns are not baseless. Patterns of decision-making, including the refusal to ban cell phones suggest a troubling erosion of institutional autonomy. GECOM’s mandate is to serve the Guyanese people, not any single political entity. Yet, when its actions appear to favour one side, it risks becoming a tool for electoral engineering rather than a guardian of democracy.
Perception is as critical as reality in maintaining public trust. Even if GECOM’s decisions are technically lawful, they must also be perceived as legitimate and impartial. Failing to address these concerns undermines the Commission’s credibility and deepens public distrust in the electoral process.
GECOM’s current trajectory risks plunging Guyana into electoral chaos. Public confidence in the electoral system is already fragile, scarred by historical episodes of electoral uncertainty. Decisions that compromise ballot secrecy and enable vote buying further erode this trust, potentially leading to disillusionment, reduced voter turnout, and even civil unrest.
A democracy without trust is a democracy in name only. When citizens believe their votes are subject to manipulation or surveillance, the entire democratic framework is imperiled. Guyana cannot afford a return to the dark days of political instability, yet GECOM’s inaction pushes the nation perilously close to that precipice. The Commission must recognise that democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires vigilance, integrity, and decisive action to protect its core principles.
This is not merely a legal or political issue; it is a moral imperative. Every Guyanese has a vested interest in ensuring elections are free, fair, and untainted by fear. GECOM must act swiftly to reverse its cell phone policy and implement a strict, enforceable ban on electronic devices in polling stations. Such a measure would reaffirm the sanctity of the ballot and deter vote buying and intimidation.
Beyond this, GECOM must take concrete steps to restore public confidence. This includes ensuring transparency in the appointment of electoral staff, engaging all political stakeholders in decision-making, and publicly reaffirming its commitment to impartiality. Anything less is a betrayal of the Commission’s mandate and the Guyanese people’s trust.
GECOM’s leadership must feel the eyes of this nation on each and every one of them. The people of Guyana are vigilant, informed, and resolute. We will not stand idly by as our democratic rights are compromised. Silence must not be mistaken for apathy. The stakes are too high, and the consequences of failure too grave.
Fellow Guyanese, democracy demands our active participation. It requires us to hold our institutions accountable, to demand transparency, and to defend our right to a secret, uncoerced vote. Let us rise to this challenge, ensuring that our voices are heard and our votes protected.
History will judge us by our actions in this critical moment. Let it record not our complacency, but our unwavering commitment to democracy’s defense. Let us remain focused and highly alert in this election season.
